automatic startup

[Abbadon]

Hi all,

I'm looking for a piece of software that will allow me to boot my system at preset moments. I can currently do this from bios, but the options are very limited. I'm looking for something with more elaborate scheming-options.

I thought it would be possible trough task manager, but couldn't find it.

Any suggestions appreciated!

Abbadon

PS: I'm running WinXp Pro

[malcore]

Elaborate options such as what? I don't know of any software that can boot your computer, as software will not run unless the computer is booted?

What do you wish to do?

[Abbadon]

For instance, to let my computer function as an alarm clock (boot up at specific date & time, play specifik music.

Or, to let it start up, download mail from server, shut down again when done (for like when I'm on holliday and my mailbox might get filled up with delicious spam)

Or, to let it startup, do defragmentation and other tedious tasks, all by itself on moment that I am away, without me having to wory about it.

Most of those tasts can be set in the task manager, but it does require the system to be "on". Since I discovered an option for this in my bios, I was hoping that something more elaborate might excists. Or maybe something to control my bios from windows?

[malcore]

Well, I doubt you can find a software to control your bios while the machine is off.

What you can do, is set the BIOS to turn the system on at a specific time, then use task scheduler to run tasks at a time say 5 minutes after the machine boots. You would then need an app to shut the machine down at a certain time.

You could look at JIT scheduler (http://www.gibinsoft.net/gipoutils/) to set shutdown time or even run an application at a certain time.

For instance, set BIOS to turn machine on at 5:00am evry day. Use JIT or task scheduler to run defrag at 5:10, etc., etc.

[Variable]

Well I learned something new, I didn't know you could program the BIOS to boot at certain times of the day.

Why don't you just leave the machine one all the time and turn off the monitor when your gone? Powering on and off causes more wear and tear than leaving it on. Is it power consumption that your afraid of?

[Abbadon]

Variable,

Nope, it's noise :)

My computer's in my bedroom, and even though it's not very loud, it still is too loud to combine sound sleep with keeping it running. Also, I'm lazy :) and would like it when certain tasks were done without me interfering.



Malcore,

thx for the link, I'll check it out. The reminder function might be handy for me too :p